National Student Exchange Adds Two New Universities to Program

Arkansas Tech University and Tuskegee University will join approximately 200 universities already in the program, which provides students with exchange choices in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

Jazmyn Mason, a senior sociology major, attended the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs for an academic year.

“Being a part of the National Student Exchange was the best decision ever,” Mason said. “I had the pleasure of attending the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. I met so many awesome people, some of which are now life-long friends for sure! It was great to see a new school, but also a new state. The school offered so many outdoor activities. Leaving was the hardest part, but I will always be grateful for this unique opportunity.”

Jan Shellenbarger, coordinator of the IUP NSE program, said students can exchange on either Plan A, which means they would pay tuition to the host school, or Plan B, where students pay their tuition to IUP as they normally would do. “Students who receive scholarships from programs such as the Board of Governors or Pittsburgh Promise would be required to exchange on Plan B,” Shellenbarger said.

NSE students study for a semester or full academic year at another NSE university in order to continue their studies and broaden their personal, educational, and cultural perspectives.

“A large number of students exchange so they can experience an area that’s different from where they grew up,” Shellenbarger said, “while others participate in the program to check out a future graduate program or employment opportunities.”

For students interested in exchanging during the fall 2018 and/or spring 2019 semesters, applications for priority placement are due by mid-February. For information on the program and application process, please contact 724-357-2235 and scheduling an appointment.